POLS 244, State Behaviour, page 1
Prof. Stephen Saideman
Department of Political Science
Leacock 324-C
Office Hours:
and by appointment
(office) 398-2324
(dept) 398-4800
Email:
POLS 244, State Behaviour, page 1
Pols 244: State Behaviour
A.K.A. Intro to International Relations
The purpose of this course is to introduce you to some of the more important concepts and approaches to understanding international politics as well as an introduction to the discipline of Political Science. The sources of foreign policy and the constraints placed upon states by the international system will be investigated. Why do states try to do what they do? And why do they fail so often? Some of the classic questions of international relations will be addressed, including: why war? How can war be avoided? Can states cooperate on international economic issues?
This course is divided into three major sections. The first several weeks will be spent on understanding the ideas and approaches scholars of international relations use to understand war, peace, trade, etc. The middle part of the course will apply the concepts that have been developed to some of the major events of this century: the World Wars, the Cold War, the Gulf War, and Bosnia. The last few weeks will focus on issues and problems currently facing Canada and everyone else in this New World (Dis)Order.
Requirements:
· All students are required to attend the lectures. Students will be responsible for assignments, information, and schedule changes announced in lectures, even if they are absent. If you miss class, it is your responsibility to find out what you missed. Once class begins, do not leave. Students who leave before class is over distract everyone. If you cannot stay for the entire class on a consistent basis, drop this class and sign up for one that is more convenient.
· Come to discussion sections (conferences) prepared to discuss the relevant readings for each week and current events. The sections are your chance to ask questions, and give your opinions It is up to you to take advantage of the opportunity. Participation: 10% of your grade. Participation in WebCT discussions count as well as discussions in class. The participation grade is based on quality as well as quantity. The WebCT board is meant to supplement and not replace either lectures or discussion sections.
· All the readings are required. They are fair game for the exams, even if they are not discussed at all in class, though many will be touched on at some point.
· You are required to read a newspaper or a newspaper's webpage that covers international politics well.Material from current events will be used in lectures, discussion sections, and will be fair game for exams, even if they are not discussed at all in the lectures or discussions.
· One midterm: 25%; One paper, 5-8 pages: 25%; Final Exam: 40%
· You are responsible for reading and understanding the contents of this syllabus.
· Mcgill University values academic integrity. Therefore, all students must understand the meaning and consequences of cheating, plagiarism and other academic offences under the code of student conduct and disciplinary procedures (see www.mcgill.ca/integrity for more information).
· According to Senate regulations, instructors are not permitted to make special arrangements for final exams. Please consult the Calendar, section 4.7.2.1, General University Information and Regulations at <www.mcgill.ca>
Significant Dates:
Midterm Oct 17
Paper Due Nov 2
Final Exam Dec--TBA
Readings:
Joseph Nye, Understanding International Conflicts
Robert Art and Robert Jervis, International Politics [aj]
Selected articles will be available on WebCT
Week 1: Introduction Sept 4, 7, 9
Nye, chapter 1-2
aj pages 1-6
Week 2: Anarchy, Sovereignty and Power Sept 12, 14, 16
Nye, chapter 3: 58-68
aj Hans Morgenthau, “Six Principles of Political Realism”
aj Kenneth Waltz, "The Anarchic Structure of World Politics"
aj John Mearsheimer, “Anarchy and the Struggle for Power
aj Robert Jervis, "Offense, Defense, and the Security Dilemma"
aj Robert Gilpin, “The Nature of the Political Economy”
Week 3: The Use of Force and the Balance of Power Sept 19, 21, 26
aj Robert Art, "The Four Functions of Force"
aj Thomas Schelling, "Diplomacy of Violence"
aj Robert Art, “Coercive Diplomacy”
aj Robert Art, “Fungibility of Force”
aj Stephen Walt, "Alliances: Balancing and Bandwagoning"
Week 4: Liberalism and Interdependence Sept 28, Oct 3
aj Robert Keohane, "International Institutions"
aj Robert Keohane and Joseph Nye, "Complex Interdependence and the Role of Force"
aj Robert Keohane, “Hegemony in the World Political Economy”
aj Kenneth Oye, "The Conditions for Cooperation in World Politics"
aj Adam Roberts, The UN and International Security”
aj Jack Rakove, “Europe’s Floundering Fathers”
Week 5: Constructivism Oct 5, 12
aj Alexander Wendt, “Anarchy is What States Make of It”
aj Mararet Keck and Kathryn Sikkink, “Transnational Networks”
aj Howard/Donnelly, “Human Rights in World Politics”
Exam 1 Oct 17
Week 6: Domestic Politics and Foreign Policy Oct 19, 24
aj Michael Doyle, "Kant, Liberal Legacies, and Foreign Affairs"
TBA
Week 7: Great Power Politics and War Oct 26, 31, Nov 2
Nye, chapter 3: 68-81, chapters 4 and 5
Paper Due Nov 2
Week 8: Nuclear Weapons, Arms Control, Proliferation Nov 7
aj Scott Sagan, “Nuclear Instability in South Asia”
aj Ken Waltz, “Nuclear Stabilitin in South Asia”
Week 9: Globalization and All That Nov 9, Nov 14
Nye, chapter 7
aj Frankel, “The Globalization of the International Economy”
aj Drucker, “The Changed World Economy”
aj Rodrik, “Trading in Illusions”
aj Micklethwait/ Wooldridge, “Why the Globalization Backlash is Stupid”
aj Finnegan, “The Economics of Empire”
Week 10: Ethnic Conflict and Intervention Nov 16, 21
Nye, Chapter 6
Art and Jervis, 481-524
(Rotberg, Collier, Kaufmann, Dobbins)
Week 11: The Environment Nov 23
Art and Jervis, 525-550
(Hardin, Simon, Homer-Dixon, Schelling)
Week 12: Present and Future IR Nov 28, 30
Nye, Chapter 8
Art and Jervis, 393-480
(Jervis [2x], Huntington, Stern, Ikenberry, Krauthammer, Nye)
aj Naim, Five Wars of Globalization
Week 13: Conclusion Dec 1
Nye, Chapter 9
aj J. Ann Tickner, "A Critique of Morgenthau"
aj Steven Ratner, “International Law”
Final Exam Dec x